Where Oliver Skipp fits into Ange’s plans

Tottenham have been dealt a poor-hand of injury blows over the past few weeks, causing the club and fans alike to consider numerous potential signings for the upcoming transfer window. While the squad’s lack of options in defense has shown through, the injuries have actually highlighted one area of the pitch which has significant depth: the midfield.

Despite James Maddison’s ankle knock and Yves Bissouma’s regularity with suspensions, Spurs still have Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso, and Oliver Skipp among their ranks.

Some of the players like Skippy have yet to receive substantial minutes this year despite playing active roles in the past, begging the question, what will their role be moving forward?

In Ange’s most recent press conference, he shed light on where Oliver Skipp stands in the long line of midfield options:

“Skippy’s been working hard at training … he’s waiting for his opportunity but that doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact or that he hasn’t made an impact coming in during games.

There’s no doubt the way we are at the moment with the numbers we have that he’ll get an opportunity to play.”

While the Englishman doesn’t quite fall into the predicted starting XI for Spurs’ upcoming match against Aston Villa, his services may be needed in the future.

With Yves Bissouma and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg the current favorites for holding-midfielder, and Bentancur and Sarr’s mutual ability to play in both defensive and attacking roles, Skipp’s usefulness will likely come into play when any of the starters need a rest in matches where Tottenham are already ahead. This has largely been his contribution during the current campaign.

A tactical purist, Postecoglou won’t be changing his formation anytime soon:

“We’re at the beginning of trying to build something and I think it’s always important whenever I’ve been in the early stages that you stay really focused on the kind of football we want to play… and not allow short-term results… to influence how we’re going”

With this in mind, Skippy’s role is likely to remain unchanged, at least for the time being.